Sports supplements have grown rapidly in popularity over recent decades, fuelled by gym culture and by the desire of athletes to achieve greater strength and muscle mass quickly. While most supplements are protein-based and contain no dangerous substances, there are some that pose more of a risk to health.
For example, the UK and Canada has banned supplements that contain the amphetamine-like substance DMAA (dimethylamylamine) after it was linked to the death of a runner in the 2012 London Marathon. An inquest concluded that DMAA was a contributory factor in the runner’s death after she collapsed of a heart attack close to the finishing line.
However, the products that contain DMAA can still be legally bought online from overseas retailers while there is no bar to purchasing them anywhere in the US. The drug is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and so cannot be used by professional athletes. There is no such prohibition for amateurs.
DMAA was originally developed as an amphetamine without the usual addictive elements associated with such drugs. It can now be found in energy drinks such as Jack3d and OxyELITE Pro and in more than 250 different products.
While one study has linked DMAA to the plant geranium, the product is in the main a lab-created drug, which is then combined with vitamins, minerals and proteins to make a sports supplement.
DMAA has been raised blood pressure that can cause cardiac problems such as stroke or heart attack as in the London Marathon case. More commonly, the product will cause extreme dehydration, kidney stones and constipation.nyone taking a sports supplement should be fully aware of exactly what the product contains and if in doubt, should refrain from consuming the product.
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